Russian drones targeted a nuclear power plant in Ukraine, according to the country’s president Volodymyr Zelensky.
The drone attack occurred in the western Khmelnitskyi region near the nuclear plant, far from the frontlines.
Windows at the plant were shattered and 20 people were injured in the blasts. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), the UN’s nuclear watchdog, said that the explosions did not affect the plant’s operations but that some off-site radiation stations did lose power.
Speaking during his nightly address, Zelensky said: “The Khmelnytskyi Nuclear Power Plant, however, was the most likely target of this Russian drone strike. The shock wave also shattered windows on its premises.”
IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi said: “The fact that numerous windows at the site were destroyed shows just how close it was. Next time, we may not be so fortunate.”
Ukraine claims to have destroyed all 11 drones launched by Russia overnight and said that the damage was caused by the blasts and falling debris.
The Energy Ministry wrote on the Telegram: “At night, the enemy struck territory near the Khmelnytskyi nuclear power plant. As a result of the explosion, windows in administrative and laboratory buildings have been damaged.”
The attack also damaged powerlines to and from the plant cutting power to around 1,800 homes in the nearby towns of Netishyn and Slavuta.
The region also houses a military airfield and has been targeted by Russian drone attacks in the past.
Ahead of last winter, the Kremlin ramped up attacks on civilian infrastructure including powerplants causing blackouts across the country.
Now Moscow appears to have begun more frequently targeting energy infrastructure again as winter approaches.
